Coming this fall from Mad Cave Studios imprint Maverick is a new graphic novel, Teleportation and Other Luxuries, from writer Archie Bongiovanni, illustrator Mary Verhoeven, and letterer Lucas Gattoni.
In a cutthroat scientific competition, an oddball quartet—featuring an internet-famous teen heartthrob, a rebellious anarchist, a shy genius, and a small-town jack-of-all-trades—vie for victory while their clash of personalities and hidden agendas threatens to sabotage their chances to win, making them realize maybe victory isn’t what they truly seek.
In a bustling futurist metropolis, the Blamazon Teen Scientist Competition promises not just scientific glory, but fame and substantial financial rewards as well. Among the contestants, four teenagers from different backgrounds form an unlikely team: Tyler Risley, a teen heartthrob known for his genius-level intellect, Gabby, a grumpy nonbinary anarchist with a knack and distrust for science, Allegra, a shy and brilliant loner hiding her vast intelligence, and L.J., a small town jack-of-all-trades with an unparalleled knack for engineering.
Amidst their bickering and missteps, they uncover the secret of teleportation. Despite this invention being a clear albeit dangerous way to win, it becomes apparent that perhaps victory isn’t their only collective goal.
“Creating Teleportation and Other Luxuries definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” said writer Archie Bongiovanni. “With my questionable chemistry grades, writing a story about brilliant teen scientists was intimidating to say the least. Then I realized who needs scientific accuracy when you can just make every character gay? This comic is a reminder that being a genius is meaningless without human connection. This comic is a wild ride of empathy, embracing chosen family and not taking life too seriously. Sure, science is cool, but friendships are what makes solving the world’s mysteries worthwhile.”
“Teleportation and Other Luxuries has truly been a blast to put together, said artist Mary Verhoeven. “Working from Archie’s script had me laughing to myself on more than one occasion; the characters are a fun and funny bunch, and getting to spend that much time with them as the artist was a real delight. I was also fortunate to work with what is undoubtedly one of the coolest teams at Maverick; Dayn, Marla, Lucas and Lauren. This is the kind of book that would have delighted me as a kid, I’m so grateful I had a hand in making a story like this!”
Teleportation and Other Luxuries hits shelves at bookstore everywhere on November 12, 2024 and local comic shops on November 13 (FOC: October 14) from Mad Cave Studios.